Free printable

Homeschool portfolio checklist template

A one-page checklist of what goes in a homeschool portfolio, by subject and by term, so the evaluation is a summary rather than a search.

A homeschool portfolio is a folder of evidence that education happened: samples of work, a log of what was used, a reading list, and sometimes test results or an evaluator's letter. Several US states require one (Florida, Pennsylvania, Missouri, South Carolina, Virginia by evaluation) and many other places expect something like it. The families who dread it are the ones assembling it in June.

This checklist is the antidote. It lists what to collect, by subject and by term, with a box to tick when it is in the folder. Two samples per subject per term, a log, a reading list and the attendance sheet is a complete portfolio in almost every jurisdiction. Print it, clip it to the front of the folder, and tick as you go.

Homeschool portfolio checklist

Two dated samples per subject per term. Tick when filed.

Student
Year
SubjectTerm 1Term 2Term 3Term 4
Reading / literature☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐
Writing☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐
Math☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐
Science☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐
History / social studies☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐
Geography☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐
Art / music☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐
PE / health☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐
Other☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐☐ ☐

Also in the folder

  • Weekly planners or log
  • Reading log
  • Attendance record
  • List of curriculum and materials
  • Photos of projects and experiments
  • Test results (if any)
  • Evaluation letter (if any)
  • Field trips and outside classes list
Notes for the evaluator

How to use it

Using the homeschool portfolio checklist

  1. 1Print one per child per year and clip it inside the front cover of the portfolio folder or binder.
  2. 2Each term, put two dated samples per subject in the folder: one early, one late, so progress is visible. Tick the box.
  3. 3Add the reading log, the attendance sheet, and the weekly planners as the year goes; the checklist has a line for each.
  4. 4Photograph projects, experiments and anything that does not fit in a folder; print the photos or keep a dated digital album and note it.
  5. 5Before an evaluation, run down the checklist. Anything unticked is a fifteen-minute job, not a weekend.
Date everything. An undated sample proves nothing about progress.
Include the mistakes. A portfolio of perfect work looks curated; crossed-out math with a correction shows learning.
Keep it thin. Evaluators read a good sample per subject; they do not read a ream.

Skip the filling in

Let Kuraplan fill it for you

Describe your children and what you use, and Kuraplan drafts the plan, the report or the record so you print a finished page instead of a blank one.

  • Write a one-paragraph progress summary for each subject for a 4th grader's portfolio evaluation from these notes: [paste]
  • List the work samples I should keep this term for a 2nd grader in Pennsylvania
  • Create a portfolio index page listing samples by subject and date
Try it free

Homeschool portfolio checklist FAQ

What goes in a homeschool portfolio?

Dated samples of work in each subject (two per term is plenty), a log or planner showing what was covered, a list of books and materials used, the attendance record if your state requires one, and any test results or evaluation letters. Photos cover projects and experiments.

Which states require a homeschool portfolio?

Florida (for the annual evaluation), Pennsylvania (reviewed by an evaluator), Missouri (samples of work), South Carolina under Option 3, and Virginia if you choose the evaluation route. Others, like New York, require reports that a portfolio makes easy. Check your state's guide.

How big should a homeschool portfolio be?

A one-inch binder per child per year is typical. Two samples per subject per term, a log and a reading list. Evaluators prefer thin and organised to thick and random.

Can a homeschool portfolio be digital?

Yes in most places. A dated folder of scans and photos, organised by subject, satisfies most evaluators and states; check whether yours wants paper at the evaluation.

Looking for the rules in your state or country? See homeschool requirements by state or the guides for the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Ireland.

Planning, printables and records in one place

Kuraplan writes the lessons and worksheets, keeps the finished work, and fills templates like this one from what you actually did.

Plan with Kuraplan